Monday, February 11, 2008

USM's Portland Hall closing

This is prime real estate, it will be interesting to see what goes in. Hopefully a developer will take notice that affordable condos sell in the city, while "luxury condos" remain on the market with little prospects for sale in a slowing economy.

Portland Hall has long acted as an urban refuge for USM students. Students there have sat behind desks for years watching Portland city-life cruise by their window, but after a long run, the Congress St. residence will be closing.

A letter sent to Portland Hall residents on February 7 informed them that Portland Hall would permanently close its doors after the 2008 summer term....Portland Hall, which was once a hotel, is currently the only dorm in Portland. Many international students, as well as students preferring the city over the suburbs, live there.

The building is also home to many students that attend Southern Maine Community College and those from Maine Law. Some Maine College of Art students also have meal plans that utilize the dorm's cafeteria.

When Portland Hall closes, students will have no options for on-campus housing in Portland.